BOOZER LOSERS

CASH RAID

Ms Ali quit and cited bullying after Flanagan wrote to her in December and blasted her for not telling him she was going to publicly criticise his secret meetings policy.

He later apologised. But in a shameless resignation letter, the stubborn chairman played down his own role in his downfall.

Flanagan said: “Despite the limited nature of these matters and at a time when serious challenges are faced by policing in Scotland, there has been prolonged and continued debate in the media and in Parliament.

“This is not helpful to the SPA or policing more generally and is proving a distraction to the important work we are undertaking.”

Flanagan also complained the row had “become quite personalised and has impacted on me and my family”, adding: “This is not something that I wish to endure further.”

Last night, Ms Ali welcome his decision to quit but said: “It does seem from the tone of his resignation letter that Andrew Flanagan is still struggling to accept that he is the creator of his own misfortune.

“His actions – in particular, writing to me in the terms that he did; and withholding a couple of key letters from HMICS – plus his initial lack of contrition, sealed his fate.”

Top watchdog HMICS confirmed Flanagan was sent an draft of the report last Friday.
A spokesman said: “Our Report will be published on Thursday 22 June 2017, when Derek Penman HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary will attend the Justice Sub-Committee on Policing to give evidence on the report’s findings and recommendations.”

An SPA spokeswoman insisted: “The chair made his decision before he had sight of the report.”

Mr Matheson last night pledged a review of “support provided to the Scottish Police Authority board” in light of the chaos.

He said: “I am grateful to Andrew Flanagan for his significant contribution to policing, having become chair at a key time for the sector and brought a more strategic focus to the oversight of this key public service.

“However, he has acknowledged that mistakes have been made. He has offered a full and very public apology and made clear changes to transparency and governance in light of the concerns raised.

“I have agreed that he will stand down from his role once a successor is identified and recruited through the public appointments process. This will allow business continuity over this important period.”